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Show 4 COLORADO RIVER WATER RIGHTS Appendix A State of California, Governor's Office, Sacramento lJf, March 3, Hon. Sidney P. Osborn, Governor of Arizona, Phoenix, Ariz. and Hon. Vail N. Pittman, Governor of Nevada, Carson City, Nev. My Dear Governors : We have just completed our review of the comprehensive plan for the Colorado River system as presented by the Bureau of Reclamation, and I am more than ever impressed by the staggering size and complexity of the proposal. It is quite apparent, and it is admitted in the comprehensive plan, that the 134 projects inventoried will, if constructed, use more water than is available in the river system1. This fact will undoubtedly emphasize the differences of opinion concerning the water ro be made available to each State. It is therefore of the utmost importance to the lower-basin States that, we reconcile our differences as soon as possible. The negotiations of the past have failed to bring about agreement between Arizona and California but I utu of the opinion that there must be some fair basis upon which their respective rights can be determined. The only methods that occur to me are (3) negotiation of a compact, (2) arbitration, and (3) judicial determination. I would therefore like to suggest that we three Governors of the affected States endeavor first to enter into a compact which will resolve our differences and finally determine our respective rights. In the event you believe for any reason that this cannot be done, I suggest that we submit all our differences to arbitration, agreeing to be bound by the results thereof. If this is not feasible, I propose that we join in requesting Congress to authorize a suit to determine our rights in the Supreme Court of the United States, which suit could, if agreeable to the States, be submitted on an agreed statement of facts. I believe tuat either method could produce the desired results. If you agree with me, I suggest that the three of us meet at some time and place mutually agreeable for the purpose of further exploring the subject. If we can place our three States in a position to maintain a common front in urging the speedy and orderly development of the Colorado River system, we will have rendered a great service to our people. Hoping that I may have your reaction to this proposal and with best wishes, I am, Sincerely, Bari, Warren, Governor. |
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Original book: [State of Arizona, complainant v. State of California, Palo Verde Irrigation District, Coachella Valley County Water District, Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, City of Los Angeles, California, City of San Diego, California, and County of San Diego, California, defendants, United States of America, State of Nevada, State of New Mexico, State of Utah, interveners] : |